I’m pleased to report that the writing flowed like a crystal clear stream. Perhaps a torrent of genius. Sometimes–how should I put this–I amazed even myself.

Oh, wait a second, I lapsed into fiction. Back to reality: the writing, for the most part, made me want to Hemingway myself. On good days, I’d settle for the impulse to slam my own head in a car door.

I tossed the first four chapters I wrote and almost gave up on multiple occasions. Futility was the brain soup du jour. Draft, doubt self, panic, hate self, throw out draft–rinse and repeat.

To give you an idea of how many rewrites it took to get right, here are two early draft pages of a sample chapter. Far from the worst I produced, but still far from polished (click to enlarge, then click again):

It changed only when I started viewing each chapter as a magazine article: strong enough to be a stand-alone piece, including a clear opening or “lede”, a clear middle with case studies, and a punctuated end with lessons learned.

From that mindset, a few trial runs, I developed a chapter template that involved starting with a dialogue or anecdote (even if it was scrapped later) and moving through the above steps to a resource-rich “Tools and Tricks.” I needed a repeatable process. To sit down to “write a book” was just too overwhelming, even with a table of contents as a blueprint.

If you plan on any creative undertaking, whether business, writing, or art, I strongly recommend the book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. If you spend a lot of time working alone and get trapped in your head, it’s required reading.

It saved my sanity and has done the same for several friends who’ve gone from “I want to quit” to New York Times bestsellers.

In Conclusion

Most miraculous successes are nothing of the sort.

Those on front lines, the people who seem to jump into the limelight from nowhere, experience the same plodding frustration and trial-and-error as the rest of the world.

They differ in that they don’t expect luck to help them, nor good fortune to save them. As James Cameron would say: “Hope is not a strategy. Luck is not a factor. Fear is not an option.”

Sporting my game shirt a few weeks before the launch of The 4-Hour Body. The book itself is a “looks like” mock-up with blank pages.

James might also tell you that the best creators are like ducks. They appear to glide along serenely on the surface. Beneath the surface, however, they’re kicking like a motherf*cker.

Keep calm and carry on.

###

Odds and Ends: NYC Launch Party Highlights!

The following video was shot and edited by the incredibly talented Michael Gebben.

The NYC launch event was an all-around huge success. Sadly, NYC weather decided to serve the coldest day of the entire season, and an unexpected mandatory coat check (due to fire hazard potential) backed up the line and left more than a few people freezing for far too long. This led some people to abandon ship, including many of my closest friends and family. I did my best to take notes, learn from it, and make amends.

For positives, the event helped raise almost $10,000 for DonorsChoose.org, it was a total blast, and I’m planning a summer party in NYC with a slightly smaller crowd.

And for those wondering, the song in the video is “I Want It All” by Copperview.

UPDATE: Many thanks to Maggie J. for all the fantastic pictures she took at the party. You can see all 937 photos she took here.

Related and Recommended

The Tim Ferriss Showis one of the most popular podcasts in the world with over 500 million downloads. It has been selected for "Best of Apple Podcasts" three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it's been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.

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381 Replies to “Feeling Stuck? Read This…”

Good question. James actually gave it to me (and a group) when we all did a Zero-G flight together. Anyone else have ideas? I search for “Avatar t-shirts” as it has AVTR on the sleeve, but it might have been a staff shirt.

Don’t know where to get the shirts, but while I was listening to a certain webinar today, I was also noodling with some typefaces (squarish) for a logo design. One typeface contender amid the noodlees is the same as on the shirt: Bank Gothic.

I bought your new 4 hour body book and you mention cellulite as being no big deal but more of a marketing thing….but you dont really say anything else about it..so how do you get rid of it? thats my question…plus your breakfast video was funny, anyhow write back when you can

He does not talk about it anymore because, as he explained, it is nothing more than just fat. Fat appears differently on particular parts of the body, and around the thighs, it looks like what people have started calling “cellulite”.

You’ve earned my respect in a huge way (not that you had to earn a lick of it!) and I’d like and am curious about your ideas on who I should go to in the VC world for a green energy idea. This isn’t groundbreaking but it’s pretty cool and mother nature would approve. If you had 5 names that you felt good about and that operated in the environmental space, I would be a happy camper. Thanks! – David

Love your books, I’m doing The slow-carb diet now, with a exercise 4 times a week. I’m struggling to ceep up with the calorie intake. but it looks that I will manage after doing some twicks to my meals. And your breakfost, I have hacked that to just take under 6min with coffe. I’ll post something on youtube, when I get the time. Down 5 kg since I started 2. jan. 2011.

I have some questions about the bread. Here in Norway it is not so easy to follow your method, almost all meals are based on bread, but we have some different breads that are completely different than what you have in the U.S. Whole grian in the US is liek a bad joke her in Norway. When I have reached my goals. I will do some experimenting with different varieties to see their effects over time. I will give you the report when I’m done with it. Probably sometime this summer.

Can you make a hackfor cycling ? It’s my favorite sport so it would have been fun to see you take a try on it =)

Seeing as to how you’ve read the book would you mind answering my question (if possible)?

When Tim discusses the ice age technique he mentions that in order to activate “fat burning bacteria” it is best to use ice packs around the trapezius area and the back of our neck.

If I’m looking to loose weight on my legs should I put ice packs on my legs or just try out the cold bath?

My confusion arose after watching the Doctor Oz show that Tim aired on. Oz, said that fat does more work when cold. By that logic freezing my legs with ice packs would be better than putting it around my neck area per se, right? Better as in help me lose more fat on my legs?

I often get the same way with trying to map out ideas for coding projects. I can often begin with a base, but it’s coming up with the stand-alone features that make it work that gets to me. When it finally hits though, coding it isn’t even a problem anymore. It’s hashing it out that is the hardest part at times.

I think Ungodly Riches is probably the worst on the list. I like the 40 Years In A Cubicle Tastes Like Chicken title too. But none of them has the same pop as Four Hour Work Week. For example: I bought the first edition of the book and was about 6-7 pages in when I lost it in a bar after celebrating a upcoming birthdays with “shots!”. I had to go buy another copy of the book later that same week, and I don’t think I would have done that for the “Oracle in the Oasis.”

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Been turned on recently by the thought of traditional, mainstream ideas of “talent” and “genius” are more results of a process, rather than an inherent character trait — i.e. you either have it or you don’t.

Had a conversation with a friend about why some of us growing up seemed to be better at skateboarding than others. “He was just talented. I skated way more than he did and I still sucked.”

Sure, “talent” can be genetically predisposed — but how does that help YOU get to where you want to be?

Seeing how much experimentation, dedication, trial and error is a factor of Tim’s success helps me believe I can get to where I want to be, whether I am genetically predisposed or not.

Good post and very true: I probably started my novel about 15-16 times, getting anywhere from 5-40 pages in before realizing it was crap, then throwing the whole thing out. Then I finally got a good first page done and…well, the feeling of finally having something worth keeping was amazing. Almost as good as seeing my book in print. And it wasn’t smooth sailing from then on, but it sure got a helluva lot easier once I had written all the detritus out of my system.

This was an interesting article. I often feel like this. I question myself constantly. I want to give up, but I know that it takes persistence. It takes more to continue than to just stop altogether. It becomes increasingly difficult when your friends abort you and you become self-loathing. Thus is the nature of creativity. I have learned through my arduous struggles that all you can do is to move forward. we have no way of knowing what lays ahead for us in the future. All we can do is use the information at hand to make the best decision possible.

One of your best posts for ages Tim (not that the rest aren’t awesome) and just what I needed to hear.

I’m in the midst of “writing a book” and man – it can be tough. I’m heartened though by the fact that I’m a seriously hard worker, I’m smart, I’m teachable, I can make mistakes and not get down. I know if I keep doing my 1000 words (min) a day and make 5 good quality connections with the outside world (sending a proposal, media press release, kick arse contact), then I will be successful.

I guess it comes down to how to frame it, or how you think of the situation in your head. Having a template, steps, previous/similar experience, control to know better, or any other thing that allows you to take it from overwhelming big awesome goal to “Oh, sh*t. Just that? I can do that. That’s easy,” helps in taking you out of that mindset of too many options and fear of those “what-ifs” to something very similar to “F*ck it. Why not?”

BTW, you’re a huge inspiration, man. Motivation for me to be more and do more.

Great post! Its so inspiring to see how others overcome internel hurdles. Its truly powerful to share your specific challenges and greatly appreciated. I feel as though you are famously honest. 4HWW was such a treat, i have been recommending it like water. Your twitter account keeps telling me you are going to the middle east, I hope you have an amazing trip.

Bird by Bird is on my to-read list, but after this post, I may have to start reading it at night before bed. By coincidence, Seth Godin is releasing his new book soon, Poke the Box, which is a book to motivate people to start doing and stop trying to learn as much as possible before doing (and to stop planning). The book will be released March 1st, and will most likely be a must read like Godin’s other books.

Perhaps Mr. Ferriss could post up the Amazon link for people, as I don’t want to come across as spam.

It just struck me, I completely forgot to say this: the one book I would encourage any writer to read is Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury. Fiction, non-fiction, doesn’t matter. If you get done with this skinny book and don’t have your head brimming with ideas then, you know, up the voltage.

Love your passion and drive! I’ve been “stuck” for several years trying to get a business off the ground…only to sabotage myself again and again because of fear and negative talk. Going straight for the Bird by Bird book, by Lamott. Keep up the inspiring work, Tim!

In a moment of feeling frustrated and somewhat stuck, I pulled out “Losing My Virginity” (among other books), was about to put some music on in the background, but for some reason decided to check Google Reader first…

You couldn’t have picked a better title.

First two paragraphs from the first early draft image was the jolt I needed.

I also have to say that the T-shirt is awesome, and I also can’t find it 🙁

That video is amazingly done, what an Artist. Receiving your book today (Four Hour Body) all the way here in Liverpool, England 🙂 Looking forward to it.

I have also ordered your first book Four Hour Work Week. I have my own business here, doing very high end home theatre’s. But I want to branch out and learn about other types of business and see how I can change that type of business to be different to the rest.

If I ever ran across a book titled “how to live like a drug lord”, I’d certainly want to browse it. I always wondered where those guys get their clothes.

Then again “Please shoot me” would be my first choice (I like absurdist titles, and this one also show the writer doesn’t take himself too serious, which is always a good sign).

Anyways, the reason I first browsed through T4HWW was not because the title, but because of the picture of a guy in a hammoc on a beach. Only after that, I noticed it had the word “work” in the title, and my brain said “Wait, what?”.

When I’m stuck, I like to use freewriting (start writing and don’t stop, even if it’s utter nonsense), as it often starts the juices flowing again.

Also have you though about just hosting a forum membership site on here for the 4 hour work week and 4 hour body, so everything is (in house) one nice convenient location to discuss, track our muses and body recompositions? Then you can run competitions and collect, analyse and research from our findings?

Honest post. The media makes everything seem like successes were foregone conclusions because A led to B then to C, etc. Life however, is if nothing else, nonlinear despite all popular notions to the contrary. Is it portrayed this way because it is easier for people to comprehend? Easier for writers to write about? Why is the finish line celebrated much more than the honest road of struggles, false starts and disillusion? Or is it that the successful are ever ready to present their story in the most favorable, if unrealistic, light? Surely it’s a combination of many factors. In any case, I’m always reminded of this quote by Calvin Coolidge:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Quick question – why do you keep saying that agave nectar is terrible for you?

I’ve come to the conclusion that all sweeteners are to be avoided, but it seems to me that if you had to choose, either agave nectar or honey would be the best option available. This article ( http://bit.ly/afPFwi ) does a good job of offering logical reasons why agave nectar shouldn’t be a bogeyman.

Great to read Tim – it is sometimes good to know that going round in what can seem like endless circles happens to the best out there and we all go through it at some stage. Appreciate your continued inspiration to step away from the masses.

@Jay (James Rimmer) Happy to see I am not the only one in the North West who is into Tim’s stuff. Whenever I talk to someone about the 4HB over here (and Tim Ferriss) they all stare back with blanks. Even trying to explain some basics to the guys at Muay Thai, so they can rapidly lose weight before fights, many people seemingly rather continue doing what they have been doing for many years instead of trying a new ‘formula’ … sigh!

By the way, if you ever need a signed copy (bought 5 US copies at launch) I will sell my left-over copy at cost.

Great post! My husband and I read both of your books in a weekend and are now using it as a manual:) At our ages of 44 and 51 we are amazed at the insight and clarity you have brought to our projects and goals. As parents of three college students, (one son and two daughters) we are taking the family through our own “4 hour work week challenge”. Having a blast!

Brian, this is too funny! When my hubby was going through job layoff after layoff, I had to step outside the home and get a low paying job to buy the groceries. I was determined to continuing honing my writing skills, though. I mean, I was JUST NOW getting it! And I was afraid I’d forget. So I did pretty much what you suggested. I wrote little episodes…but ones that would interconnect and depend on each other. Now, three years later, I have a full length novel I’m editing for my soon-hope-to-be agent.

“It changed only when I started viewing each chapter as a magazine article: strong enough to be a stand-alone piece, including a clear opening or “lede”, a clear middle with case studies, and a punctuated end with lessons learned.”

I’d always been a screenwriter–which is barely writing if we’re being honest!–and I too found myself super overwhelmed when it came time to write my first novel. How to possibly turn nothing into 400 pages? It seemed like a Herculean task. Even the plotting was hard for such a long work.

It became a LOT easier when I simply wrote a table of contents and then decided to make every chapter good enough to stand alone (not as a magazine article, but, rather as a short story in my case, since I write fiction). Only afterward, in future drafts, did I try to make the chapters flow together seamlessly as one cohesive work.

That produced much more interesting “single serving” chapters, as well as an overall better product.

Preach on! My dissertation advisor gave me a copy of Bird by Bird, but that was years ago, perhaps it needs a reread now that I’ve left that part of my life behind… Writing a tome at once is impossible but, like you said, an article is something you can tackle… Great advice on a day that it was needed 🙂

I just signed up for your blog yesterday, and I’m already glad I did. This was exactly what I needed to find in my inbox this morning. I write, draw and self publish my own comics (it was my dream as a kid) and I spend a great deal of time in my head as well. I had an outstanding year of learning, growth and all around bada$$ opportunities last year, and I’m sort of sitting still and going “What next?” Its like somehow, if I’m not off doing something extraordinary everyday, I’m failing. Realizing I have to back the pressure off on myself.

Sorry to ramble Tim. Suffice it to say I like the cut of your jib. The 4-Hour Body and now the 4-Hour Work Week have been incredibly helpful and inspiring, ranking up next to Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Please keep droppin your knowledge.

All the suffering is worth it, thanks for putting out all the great work. I’m still in the phase of suffering through the creative process with little results, so these kind of posts are nice. Thanks for the tip on the Lamott book.

Just bought one of the recommended books through Amazon. Random question relating to a career as an author: Can you make more money selling a book you have written yourself or by blogging about other books and collecting the Amazon affiliate commission?

Wow, this came at just the right time. I quit my job months ago to create my own business. While I have been working every day, recently, I have been a tad stuck letting my fears and doubts win most of the time.

To say that I feel stuck is a bit of an understatement. The thing that has been keeping me going though is the fact that I truly believe that what I am doing is possible and that with enough work that I will be able to become successful.

Great post, Tim. It really helps to hear that even our “gurus” have had to slog through the phases of doing the work. I got a laugh out of your title tryouts. I think I like “Bitch Goddess” and “Sick of the Bullshit”. LOL.

Very timely post Tim! I’m part way through writing my first info product, an online course to help women achieve pregnancy by natural means (kinds fits in with 4HB I guess). Anyway, I’ve resorted to this strategy myself, as it is the easiest way to keep myself motivated. Right now, I’m writing one chapter a week, and sending it out to my small test group to implement and give me feedback. Definitely motivating to know that I’ve got a group of women expecting my chapter each Monday. Even if I end up finishing it late Sunday night, it gets done.

It is encouraging to know that even you struggled with writing… you make it look so easy sometimes! I haven’t gotten to the naming phase yet, but reading your ideas for 4HWW cracked me up!

Love that you have pages of ideas written down. When I brainstorm, I seriously write hundreds of titles or taglines before I decide on any of them. Often, like yourself, I find that the one that fits best may not be my favorite.

In my experience, it’s very rare that the first idea that comes to your head is the right one. It’s always taken me lots of work to think of lots of options and filter them down to my top 10… then top 5… then top pick.

By the way, my favorite is “billionaire beer goggles.” I might not have purchased the book if that was the title, but it’s creative!

Kudos Tim for showing that the creative process is a messy and far from carefree thing.

Have you read Peter Elbow’s ‘Writing with Power’ as he argues that “sometimes you have to write the wrong words in the wrong sense to get the right words in the right sense” and that we’ve all been tricked into thinking that works of fiction and fact are perfectly realised the first time rather than being the product of iteration after iteration.

Loved the 4 Hour Work Week and am loving the 4 Hour Body – keep up the good work.

i cried when i read this post! i have embarked on a really daunting new years resolution to meet every single facebook friend i have and i was hitting a wall. thinking that this was ridiculous, that i’m ridiculous, that i will fail, that i am an idiot. all the usual stuff that happens whenever i start any creative enterprise. but this made me think i’m not the only one who grits their teeth and tries. . . .

It’s great to see some of the difficulties that you went through Tim when you’re going through the creative process. After reading the 4HWW and the 4HB I started thinking there was NO WAY I was going to able to write something so well.

I’m going to order the book you recommended and get on it immediately. That’s an awesome video too, you look like a rockstar in it!

Ironically, this post was the medicine I needed this morning. My girlfriend says I have a man crush on you, I told her that’s nonsense, I just really believe in the philosophies/mindsets/teachings in your blog posts and books. I appreciate these “case studies” and real-world experiences… it brings it all to life. Thanks!

I’ve been writing for pleasure since fifth grade (and more recently for profit) and I’m always curious how someone who does not consider themselves a writer, but who has a message to send, goes about writing a book. That is, without hiring a ghostwriter. It’s daunting enough when you’ve been doing it for a decade or two, I couldn’t imagine walking into it without all of that buildup.

It makes a world of difference to actually study successful people and their journey. When we merely look at successful people and their accomplishments it often seems like they’re doing the impossible. Taking the time to see what they went through in order to get to where they are now paints a drastically different picture.

Thanks for the reminder about what it takes to great through the tough times. It’s very inspiring to see the challenges you’ve overcome.